Dance teachers: what you need to know about our auditions
Last week, we held two webinars for over 150 dance teachers worldwide to learn more about The Royal Ballet School’s auditions.
The webinars, led by Mark Annear, Director of Training & Access, and Kim Sheard, Auditions and Admissions Manager, delved into various aspects of the School’s audition process and offered guidance on how teachers can support students in preparing for auditions.
Auditions for The Royal Ballet School’s full-time training and Associate programmes are now open and will close Tuesday 15 October at 11.00 BST.
Read the questions and answers from the webinars below.
What programmes and ages does the School audition for?
Full-time training is split into four distinct programmes: Foundation Programme (Year 7-9), Development Programme (Year 10-11), Vocational Programme (1st and 2nd Year) and Pre-professional Programme (3rd Year). To prioritise student well-being and artistic development and minimise academic disruption, we no longer accept students applying to join the School full-time in Years 9 and 11.
The Associate Programme is designed primarily for UK-based students aged 8-17 who want to train with The Royal Ballet School each weekend alongside their regular dance training. Applications are now open for Mid, Senior, and Advanced Associate programmes (ages 11-17), and Junior Associate applications will open in February.
How can I prepare my students for their audition?
Our auditions are designed so you don’t need to prepare your students outside their regular training. The audition class is a condensed classical ballet class, like the classes students already attend. Students do not need to learn particular repertoire or bring a prepared dance piece or solo.
Continue to work with your students as usual and try to make any preparation part of their regular ongoing training. As teachers, it can be beneficial to share your own experiences while also helping students to focus on their individual strengths.
Due to the volume of applications received, ensure you keep expectations realistic while still encouraging students. We try our best to make all audition experiences positive, regardless of the outcome. Students can gain a lot from the process, so it is important to talk about the experience rather than the outcome.
How is the audition structured?
Preliminary auditions consist of a basic ballet class comprising barre and centre exercises. The class also includes a physical assessment showing basic positions and flexibility of different muscle groups.
For teachers or students who would like to see a typical audition class in action, we have upcoming in-person Insight classes on 29 September in London and on-demand classes for each age group.
The preliminary audition panel will include at least one Artistic Manager and relevant Artistic teaching staff, and final auditions will include the Artistic Director, teachers of the associated age group, and Artistic Managers.
How is the final audition structured?
The audition process for full-time training has two or three rounds depending on the age group and gender of training.
Year 7 male training and Year 8 have two rounds: preliminary and final auditions. Year 7 female training has three rounds: preliminary, in-person semi-final and final auditions. Year 10 and all Upper School have three rounds: preliminary, video semi-final and final auditions. All final auditions must be in person in London.
Final auditions involve:
- Ballet class(es)
- Character – Years 7 and 8
- Contemporary – Years 10 and Upper School
- Repertoire – Upper School
- Physiotherapy assessment
- Pastoral interview.
What do we look for and consider in auditionees?
We consider a combination of many factors relevant to the age group. No one thing is more crucial than another, however a feeling for dance is very important. When considering students for full-time or Associate training, we take into account:
- Potential for undertaking our courses
- Current technical level
- Coordination
- Flexibility
- Musicality
- Feeling for dance
- Greater knowledge and application as age increases.
We do not make any decision prior to auditions for students who are already in one of our Associate programmes.
What are the differences in what you look for at each entry stage?
At all stages, we are looking for the qualities listed above. As the student progresses, we expect them to understand technique and ballet vocabulary relevant to their age group.
Admission to the School naturally becomes increasingly competitive as the dancer’s age increases. Where raw potential is an expectation at Year 7, we like to see further refinement by Year 10 and Upper School.
We do not ask for or make note of ballet exams completed or the grades achieved. Each student is assessed based on what they show in the audition.
How does the School get the best out of students in an intense and high-pressure situation?
We understand that audition environments can often result in stress and nerves for dancers. The Royal Ballet School panel and audition staff are approachable and do everything possible to ensure the audition experience is positive and memorable. From start to finish, we aim to ensure audition days are as relaxed as possible. The audition class takes the form of a regular ballet class, reducing any surprises.
Do photographs have to be taken professionally?
Photos do not have to be taken by a professional. Photos are only needed as a memory aid for panel members. Keep it simple; photos taken on a smartphone at home or in a corner of your dance studio are perfectly acceptable. We encourage students to ask their teachers about the different positions if required.
Should I recommend a child to attend an audition if they have been previously unsuccessful?
Yes, dancers are welcome to re-apply if they have auditioned before and would still like to join one of our programmes. We do not make any prior decisions regarding the auditions, and every student will be seen equally. We also recognise that students develop at different times and that sometimes, it is merely the availability of a place that prevents a different outcome.
Does the School provide visa support for successful students?
Yes, international students who need a visa are provided with the paperwork required to apply for a Child Student visa. The School only sponsors visas for students, not for family members.
